Here’s the idea: Each week, we pick three local musical acts, link to a site where you can listen to their songs for free, then ask you to spend a few moments of your time to tell us what you think about them. Some may be great, others may be middling or awful — that’s for you to decide — all we ask is that you listen with an open mind.
This is the affidavit for the Liberty Dollar raid that took place in Evansville, Ind. The warrant and the undercover investigation that led to the raid both originated in Asheville. This 38-page affidavit details the FBI’s allegations of money laundering and wire fraud against the makers and distributors of this private “barter currency.” Click here … Read more
A plan to buy up guns from city residents sparked controversy at the Asheville City Council’s Nov. 13 meeting and ended with a Council member’s resignation from the committee he chairs. A discussion of tactics culminated in an exchange between Mayor Terry Bellamy and Council member Carl Mumpower, prompting Mumpower to resign from the Public … Read more
Mary Beth Mackley was sitting in an open fishing boat with a wet tushy when inspiration hit. Nursing a dream: RN Mary Beth Mackley patented her Craggy shorts, designed to keep your pants dry in the outdoors. She’s still pitching the product to clothing manufacturers. Photo Couresty Mary Beth Mackley “It was a beautiful day. … Read more
Two smokestacks synonymous with the American Enka plant around which the town was built are scheduled for demolition in the coming weeks, sparking worries about asbestos and other chemicals—which inspectors say are unfounded—and concerns about the loss of a historical landmark. Standing up for the stacks: Citizen activist and Enka resident Jerry Rice says the … Read more
Educator of the year sets a green standard According to the Environmental Educators of North Carolina Web site, an individual who garners the organization’s Environmental Educator of the Year award is “a ‘dynamo’ that other environmental-education practitioners strive to emulate.” Stan Cross has been named Environmental Educator of the Year. This year’s dynamo is Stan … Read more
The economic impact of immigration, as well as its influence on education, health and justice, was the focus of a League of Women Voters-sponsored forum on Nov. 15. A panel representing several sides of the issue voiced concerns and personal experiences and answered written questions from the audience. About 60 people attended the forum, held … Read more
Jimmy and Keller Anne Knight were having a burger in Myrtle Beach one day when Keller had an idea. The family that laughs together … : A Sense of Humor owners Keller Anne and Jimmy Knight with their kids, Sam and Elisabeth. Photo By Jonathan Welch “I said to him, ‘Wouldn’t it be great if … Read more
Citing excesses and instances of misconduct by local law enforcement, the activist group Citizens Awareness Asheville has formed a citizen’s police-review board, a “Copwatch” program and a telephone hotline to act on community concerns. Standing on the steps of City Hall on Nov. 14 with other members of the group, CAA spokesperson Gene Hampton said … Read more
As Asheville grows, so too does traffic congestion. For anyone frustrated with slow-motion rush hours, ballooning gas prices, or the routine of circling around until a small miracle occurs and a downtown parking space opens up, there’s always the city bus. Lately, more energy is going into improving the Asheville Transit System, and it’s the … Read more
